Dr. Kees van Leeuwen, University of Bordeaux

On October 21, 2014, Dr. Kees van Leeuwen, professor of viticulture at the University of Bordeaux, gave a presentation to Finger Lakes growers and winemakers at Three Brothers Winery. Before Dr. van Leeuwen joined the faculty at the University of Bordeaux, he was the vineyard manager for Cheateau Cheval Blanc, one of the premier producers in Bordeaux, and still consults for the winery today. Cheval Blanc uses a high percentage of Cabernet Franc in its wines, and Dr. van Leeuwen has worked with the variety a great deal during his career.

During his presentation, Dr. van Leeuwen talked about where Cabernet Franc fits in Bordeaux production compared to Cabernet Sauvignon and Merlot, and summarized some of the research that has been done in the region on how to improve fruit quality, touching on topics like clonal selection, phenology, fruit quality (e.g., methoxypyrazine levels), and the influence of soil characteristics, including water holding capacity, texture and nutrient availability.

Upcoming Events

FLGP Virtual Tailgate Meeting

June 9, 20204:30 - 6:00 PM

Join FLGP viticulturist Hans Walter-Peterson (and the occasional guest speaker) for any or all of this year's Tailgate Meetings, held every other Tuesday afternoon during the 2020 growing season, starting on June 9 and ending on August 18.

FLGP Virtual Tailgate Meeting

June 23, 20204:30 - 6:00 PM

Join FLGP viticulturist Hans Walter-Peterson (and the occasional guest speaker) for any or all of this year's Tailgate Meetings, held every other Tuesday afternoon during the 2020 growing season, starting on June 9 and ending on August 18.

Announcements

State Guidance for Farms Regarding COVID-19

New York state has released official guidance specific to farms addressing COVID-19 (Novel Coronavirus). You can find the document titled "Interim Guidance for Prevention and Response of COVID-19 at Farms" at this link: https://agriculture.ny.gov/interim-guidance-prevention-and-response-covid-19-farms. The document covers: cleaning and disinfection, face coverings, social distancing, high-risk locations, coordination with local health departments, employee health screening, quarantine/isolation, and farm-provided employee housing.

Virtual Viticulture in 2020

Because of the current restrictions on public gatherings due to the COVID-19 pandemic, many of our grower meetings have transitioned to an online format. Take a look at the Calendar of Events (http://flgp.cce.cornell.edu/events.php) for information on dates, speakers and topics. The FLGP's Tailgate Meetings will have 0.75 pesticide credits available when they begin (see the Calendar of Events for our schedule). The Lake Erie Regional Grape Program's weekly Coffee Pot meetings, held every Wednesday, are eligible for 1 NY and 1 PA pesticide credit.